HC Deb 09 November 1936 vol 317 cc517-8W
Mr. MANDER

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the present position with regard to the administration of the Kiel Canal; whether Articles 380 to 386 of the Treaty of Versailles are being fully carried out; and what machinery, international or otherwise, is available for the purpose of dealing with disputes?

Viscount CRANBORNE

The administration of the Kiel Canal is governed by Articles 380 to 386 of the Treaty of Versailles. My right hon. Friend has no information to the effect that these articles are not being fully carried out. Machinery for the purpose of dealing with disputes is provided by Article 386, which reads as followsIn the event of violation of any of the conditions of Articles 380 to 386, or of disputes as to the interpretation of these Articles, any interested Power can appeal to the jurisdiction instituted for the purpose by the League of Nations. In order to avoid reference of small questions to the League of Nations, Germany will establish a local authority at Kiel qualified to deal with disputes in the first instance and to give satisfaction so far as possible to complaints which may be presented through the consular representatives of the interested Powers.